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Stay Safe When Enjoying the Water this Summer

(Trenton)Whether you’re at the beach, pool or lake this summer, the Department of Health and Senior Services is advising residents to take safety precautions to be sure their time spent near water is accident free.

“Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of all unintentional deaths in children aged 1-14 years and the 7th leading cause of unintentional death for all ages,’’ according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control,” said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary O’Dowd.“While the Department encourages all water lovers to enjoy the world-class beaches and lakes that New Jersey is known for; we ask that everyone take a few simple safety measures to reduce the chances of a water related tragedy.”

General Water Safety Tips:

Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone

Only swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard

Never leave a child unattended near water

Children and inexperienced swimmers should always use a personal flotation device

Pay attention to local weather conditions; stop swimming at the first sign of inclement weather

Only enter water feet-first

Don’t mix alcohol and swimming

Make sure you are aware of the water environment you are in – including potential hazards such as shallow currents, depth changes and exit and entry points

Learn CPR

Ocean Safety:

Stay within designated swimming areas, with a lifeguard present

Make sure children always swim with a guardian

Check surf conditions before entering the water.Look for a warning flag and other hazardous ocean conditions

Stay away from piers, pilings and diving platforms when swimming in the ocean

Be sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore

Don’t swim again a current, swim gradually out of the current by swimming across it

Lakes and Rivers:

Swim only in supervised areas

Be sure to swim in an area that is clean and well maintained

Ensure swimming area is free of murky water, underwater objects, unexpected drop-offs, and an abundance of aquatic plant life

Only walk into a lake or river, never dive

Never swim in drainage ditches or other areas where there is a potential for water runoff

By the Pool

Keep a cell or cordless phone near a pool to dial 9-1-1 in case of emergency

Post CPR instructions near the pool

Insist that caregivers and babysitters watching your child know CPR

Enclose pool with self-locking and self-closing fence with vertical bar openings no more than four inches wide